Effect of Internet peer-support groups on psychosocial adjustment to cancer: a randomised study

Abstract

Background: We conducted a randomised study to investigate whether providing a self-guided Internet support group to cancer patients affected mood disturbance and adjustment to cancer.

Methods: Baseline and 1-, 6- and 12-month assessments were conducted from 2004 to 2006 at a national rehabilitation centre in Denmark. A total of 58 rehabilitation course weeks including 921 survivors of various cancers were randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group by cluster randomisation. The intervention was a lecture on the use of the Internet for support and information followed by participation in an Internet support group. Outcome measures included self-reported mood disturbance, adjustment to cancer and self-rated health. Differences in scores were compared between the control group and the intervention group.

Results: The effect of the intervention on mood disturbance and adjustment to cancer showed a transient difference at the 6-month follow-up, where the intervention group reported less reduction in anxious preoccupation (P=0.04), helplessness (P=0.002), confusion (P=0.001) and depression (P=0.04). Otherwise no significant effects were observed.

Conclusion: We conclude that use of Internet-based support groups in cancer patients still needs to confirm long-lasting psychological effects.

Figure 1

Randomisation and follow-up of cancer survivors eligible for participation in the study of Internet support in cancer rehabilitation, Denmark, 2004–2006. All follow-up questionnaires were mailed to all participants who completed baseline and who were alive and had not withdrawn from study. ¹All participants eligible to participate in this study attended a week-long rehabilitation course at the Dallund Rehabilitation Centre, Denmark, between 19 April 2004 and 31 December 2005. Cancer survivors from all regions in Denmark participated at their own or their doctor's initiative and underwent no formal screening before participation. ²Baseline assessment was carried out 2 weeks before attending the rehabilitation course. ³Includes illness in family, lack of energy to participate or emigration.